Have you seen ” The 47 ronin ” movie ? A movie loosely based on Japanese legends. We started watching this movie when a particular scene reminded me of something I learned pretty early after starting with sumo . The story behind it all . A rather unique one . Maybe a little more special than what most people know .

A little while in to the Movie there is a fight scene where the two neighboring villages sent their best samurai to fight. And believe it or not …. it’s the way it supposedly started ….

TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

The Japanese provincial leaders used their best samurai fighter in the ” ring” , when there were wars and disputes . With time they tired of losing their best men this way. It was then decided that it would be settled without weapons. This how the loin cloth ( belt ) and the ritual movements came to be, to show the opponent that you did not carry arms . It was important not to show emotion and show your opponent respect.

POPULARITY

Eventually these games became so popular with the Japanese Empire that they ordered provincial officials to send their men to compete. After a while it was mostly stray samurai (ronin) who competed to earn a living.

SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF ?

Sumo has been an active sport in Norway since 1995. When we were invited over by the Japanese federation that wanted to spread sumo in Europe , trying to make the sport an Olympic discipline.

It is perhaps a little strange sport in our eyes …. Perhaps strange that a girl chooses to engage in this sport … I’ve actually met a guy with gaping mouth that managed to squeeze out that he thought I was too ” cute ” to engage with something like sumo. Have even met a lady that got her friend to take a picture of us together … hahaha . Well, maybe it’s a little different, but you get many funny reactions and diaper commentarys. Butt could`nt one be proud of taking part in a sport With an old and unique history , or what ? ? :)

Well, I will certainly concentrate on becoming one of the best girls in the world!